The Test Of Courage: Michel Thomas (2015) - Plot & Excerpts
Although not of great literary value, as a story it is definitely interesting, fast paced and worth reading. The biggest part is the story of World War 2 and post-war Germany and US through the eyes of Michel Thomas. An amazing memoir from the famous teacher, who gets revealed as being so much more, who has witnessed and endured so much more, that it is sometimes hard to believe. For those not very knowledgeable on the details of the war it will also act as a great introduction to the outbreak of WWII, Vichy France, the Italian campaign and the denazification of Germany, as well as the prosecutions that followed in the US. It is a great story, even for those not familiar with Thomas and his work. The details given are sometimes overwhelming, but one will be tempted to follow the bibliographical references and footnotes. At other times one will question the very validity of some of the statements. The author, Christopher Robbins, goes to great lengths to back up and cross reference any claims, if possible. 'Le vrai peut quelquefois n'être pas vrai semblable'. The final chapter on the LA times libel comes as a shock and makes this work all the most important. Initially I expected much more on Thomas' language method and its educational merits, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover what little significance it carries, in contrast to his wartime experience and post war judicial efforts; what Robbins and Thomas chose to focus on instead. You cannot avoid feeling awe at a life triumphant and meaningful, a life inspiring and intriguing. In the end you are not only treated to a great life story, but you end up with more insight into this amazing polyglot and war hero than many of his contemporaries and friends ever had. The voice behind the famous tapes now gets a heart, a mind, a background, but mostly you get a glimpse at some of his scars, his passions and his ideals.
This is a controversial book, attacked by some critics as a work of fiction, whilst lauded by many others.Personally, I am undecided. Michel Thomas had a bent for self-promotion and clearly exaggerated at times. If that were the only problem, I would skirt over it, but it could suggest further veracity issues.Large tracts are given over to the progression of the war in general, accounts of which are available in any WWII history book instead of focusing on what Michel was doing during the time and this seems odd. This makes it more difficult to see a coherent chronological account which could be more easily examined.His escapades are absolutely astonishing to read about and the probability of his having survived must be staggeringly small. Yet, judging by his success later in life, he was clearly an exceptionally capable man, so perhaps the biography is true.I am reluctant to fuel the criticism of someone who is no longer around to defend himself, but if I must come down on one side of the fence, I would say that this book lacks a ring of truth.
What do You think about The Test Of Courage: Michel Thomas (2015)?
This was an incredible book. Having successfully learned some French using Michel Thomas's Learn a language CDs, I was fascinated to learn more about him. His life from pre-World War II to his language courses is inspiring. It taught me a lot more than I wanted to know about World War II, the Holocaust, and the political machinations throughout the war and after. It is quite depressing on a moral level. How the LA Times and the courts treated and reacted to Michel Thomas's experiences following the publishing of this book was abominable. This is a must read.
—Harvey Heilbrun
How could the biography of a Polish Jew who survived a Vichy concentration camp, fought in the French Resistance, worked for the Americans in counterintelligence and eventually became one of the highest paid language tutors in the world be a bad read? The book is a little padded with information about WWII that Thomas did not actually live but that is totally relevant to the overall story of his life. I also would have liked to have heard a little bit more about how he learned his languages and which ones he actually knew but these things are quibbles really. This is an extraordinary story that definitely deserved to be told. If you enjoy reading about WWII or are already a Michel Thomas fan then you will enjoy this book.
—Bootheryan
